Chapter 9 09

Chapter 9 09
Vanessa’s POV
Today was the annual stakeholders party for Hayes Holdings. It was attended only by the shareholders, partners and directors of Hayes Holdings.
I had picked my dress carefully; The white silk dress hugged my body in all the right places. It was sexy, but not scandalous. My hair fell in soft waves over my shoulders and my makeup was simple and clean; I looked like perfection.
The party was being held at the grand event hall of the company’s private lounge. It was large and beautiful. Lights sparkled from the crystal chandeliers, and soft music played in the background. Waiters in black and white moved around with trays of wine. 
There was no regular company staff here and it was filled with the elites of the company, everyone seemed to know everyone. I walked in and I saw heads turn probably because no one knew who I was. 
I kept walking, holding my small white clutch, my eyes moving around the room slowly, pretending not to care, but I saw everything.
I felt his eyes on me before I saw him. Across the hall was Elliot; I turned and caught him staring at me. 
He looked sharp as always; I hated him but I couldn’t deny his good looks. He was wearing a black tuxedo like he owned the world. His dark eyes were focused only on me and I saw his jaw twitch tightening slightly. 
I looked away like I didn’t see him when he suddenly started to move towards me. My heart beat a little faster, but I kept my cool. I was here for a reason.
Just as Elliot reached me, I felt a warm hand slide into mine and gently loop through my arm.
“Asher,” I said softly, smiling.
He smiled back at me, admiring me. “Woah, Nessa you look perfect.” He said.
“Thanks,” I smiled. Elliot stopped right in front of us clutching his drink as he watched the exchange. 
“Nessa,” he said, voice low and serious. “What are you doing here?” He asked his eyes moving from me to Asher and back to me. 
“She’s with me,” Asher said quickly.
Elliot’s jaw tightened. “You know each other?” he asked, his voice sharper now.
I looked between the two of them, pretending to be surprised, like I had no idea what was going on. I opened my mouth to speak, but Asher spoke first.
“This is Elliot,” Asher said lightly. “He’s my brother but don’t bother too much with him. He’s usually cranky.”
My eyes widened slightly as I turned toward Asher, playing along with the act. “Oh? Your brother?”
Then I looked at Elliot and gave him a small smile. “You never told me your brother was the CEO of Hayes Holding, Elliot Hayes is my boss.”
Asher raised his glass slowly, smiling without warmth. “What a small world,” he said coldly, his eyes never leaving Elliot’s face.
Elliot stepped forward. “How close are you to my brother?”
I blinked, frowning. “Since when do you care how close I am to anyone?” Asher asked and Elliot’s jaw twitched.
“Since you want to know we are close enough for me to bring her here with me” he said, his eyes on me, I held Asher’s gaze and I could see Elliot shift uncomfortably I almost laughed. 
“I’m sure you know the rules,” Elliot said coldly. “This event is for stakeholders and directors only.”
Asher smiled slowly, “you know I’m not a stickler for rules brother.” 
Elliot went quiet his lips parted like he wanted to say more, but nothing came out.
Asher didn’t give him the chance to speak again. “Excuse us,” Asher said coolly, already leading me away.
I let him guide me across the room, and as soon as we turned the corner, out of Elliot’s line of sight, I let out a slow breath.
I still felt his eyes burning into my back and I hated it.
I felt heat rise to my face from the anger I felt. I was irritated annoyed and offended. 
“Excuse me…” I said to Asher and headed to the Ladies bathroom to cool off.
The restroom was empty and I stared at the mirror calming myself down. The light above the mirror was soft and made my skin glow even more. I checked my lipstick, dabbed the sides of my mouth, and fixed a stray strand of hair.
Just as I turned to leave a hand grabbed my arm roughly.
“What the hell…”
I spun around fast, ready to throw hands when I saw her. It was Bernice.
“You slut,” she hissed.
I blinked, confused for a second.
“You think I didn’t see you talking to Elliot?” she spat, eyes burning. “He’s my husband, you little whore. What are you doing here? This is a party for directors and stakeholders! You’re just a secretary! Why are you here”
My heart thudded in my chest in anger. I yanked my arm from her grip.
“Shut your bitch-ass mouth,” I said coldly, my voice sharp and steady. “And don’t you dare touch me again.”
She looked shocked, but I didn’t stop.
“You think every woman who talks to your husband wants him? Is that the kind of wife you are? That’s pathetic.”
Her mouth opened, but nothing came out.
“You’re so insecure,” I said, stepping closer. “Maybe that’s why he’s slipping away from you and why you’re losing him.”
“I said stay away from him!” she shouted, her voice shaking.
I let out a short, dry laugh. “Stay away from Elliot?” I repeated, tilting my head.
“Oh Please. You’re doing a good job pushing him away all by yourself.”
Bernice’s hands clenched at her sides, her face red with fury and embarrassment.
“I swear, Vanessa…” she began.
I didn’t let her finish.
“Save your threats,” I said harshly, cutting her off. “You’re not scary, you’re just a bitter woman with a crumbling marriage and no one to blame but yourself.”
I brushed past her, bumping her shoulder hard on purpose. She stumbled slightly and stared at me in horror like I had slapped her across the face.
I didn’t look back and walked back to the party.